THE END OF YEAR 2014
I thank God for what a remarkable year it has been.
I moved to a new church, got my driving license, graduated from my homeschooling program, took a theological course online, recognized the possibility of being called to full-time ministry, had a humbling overseas visit, participated in two edifying Christian camps, was drafted into national service, and applied for college. That probably sums up the major events of my year.
It was certainly eventful, but it was also quiet in a way. It was quiet
because, well, I was quiet. This year was mostly spent in observing,
listening, reflecting, and learning. It was a humbling year.
It was humbling mainly because my facade was stripped away. I was no longer youth leader. I was simply another member in the youth group. What a relief. I could no longer, by means of my own eloquent preaching, blind myself to my own vices.
It was also a good thing that my failure at ministry haunted me so much. It was a painful reminder that I needed to be a good servant before I could ever be a good king. Learn to follow before taking the lead.
Religious Affections was, too, an immense help. It gave me the focus I needed. More and more, I came to realize that there's no greater priority in life than to pursue a sincere faith in God.
I never understood the Bible's fuss about leaven until this year. Leaven represents pride, and how it can puff persons up as quickly as a bread rises. Yet anything that is puffed up remains soft; there is an illusion of bigness, but it collapses easily.
As Christians, we learn to build, not puff. We learn to take things step by step, and in doing so, we build a sturdy fortress over the years, as opposed to a clumsy piling of rocks raised in several days that cannot withstand a challenge.
This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.
(1 Corinthians 8:1b)
I confess that I'm a really, really ambitious person. In all my eighteen years, I've probably spent more time daydreaming than really doing productive work. Thus, I'm often tempted to puff things up in order to cover for my laziness. And I'm often tempted to think that I'm rather clever in figuring out last-minute ways to puff things up.
Well, thank God for releasing me from that. In Christ, the leaven of pride no longer has dominion over me. I will build.
I gain all my strength and wisdom from the Master Architect. I will build.
Happy New Year.
